Question: When installing
plywood decking on a suspended concrete slab that is 13 feet high; is fall
protection required?
Answer: Yes fall protection is
required unless you can prove that fall protection is infeasible or creates a
greater hazard than the fall protection systems. Listed below is the OSHA
standard that explains this.
·
1926.501(b)(2)(i) Each
employee who is constructing a leading edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower
levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems,
or personal fall arrest systems. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate
that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the
employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the
requirements of paragraph (k) of 1926.502.
Note: There is a
presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to
implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems.
Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate
to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k) for a
particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.
We recommend using temporary
anchorage points! These are simple to use and can be installed into concrete
or wood. The use of these anchorage points with either a retractable
lifeline with a personal fall arrest harness or a horizontal life line and
personal fall arrest harness will ensure you’re in compliance with OSHA!
